1 definition by Gargoyle888
The most common piece of wood used in building construction. Somewhat confusing to the uninitiated because it does not measure 2" X 4". Up until the 1970's it measured 1-5/8" X 3-5/8" thereafter it measures 1-1/2" X 3-1/2" The length can be anything up to about 20 feet.
This house is 50 years old so it's made with real 2X4's (the slightly larger variety in use at the time, not the skinny ones of today).
by Gargoyle888 January 5, 2006